Radio program indicator and announcer



' Aug; 2o, 1935.

W. W. BAIRD RADIO PROGRAM INDICATOR AND ANNOUNCER Filed May 3, 1934 2sheets-sheet 1 wcKv Orches ira Back Roger: M. West SpuHer whine Harrylia/'Iman` Kaff 6mm,

WC KY a, wam

WFBE

Aug. 20, 1935. w. w. BAIRD 2,011,670

RADIO PROGRAM INDICATOR AND ANNOUNER Filed May 5, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Patentedl ug. 2i), 1935 `RADIO PROGRAM 'INDICATOR AND ANNOUNCER WilburW. Baird, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor of three-eighths to Harry R.vSchlueter, Mariemont, Ohio Application Mays, 1934, sei-,iai No. '123,803

9 Claims.

This invention relates to an indicator and an-V nouncer for radioprograms, whereby a person may have a predetermined program audiblybrought to his attention while he is occupied in other matters.

One of the important objects of the invention is to provide a device forthe purpose stated, which is so simple and inexpensive that everyoneowning a radio receiver can afford to apply the device of thisinvention.

Another object' of the invention is to provide a device of the characterstated, which will perform the function of a time-piece or clock.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of thecharacter stated, which is small and portable, and which does notrequire mechanical connection with a radio receiver.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the-means describedherein and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l. isa perspective front view of the device of the instantinvention.

Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram for the various electrical elements of thedevice.

Fig. 3`is a front elevational view of the device with the casing of Fig.1 removed.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view looking from left to right on Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail view showing, in plan, an intermittently operativeelectrical -switch included in the device.

Fig. 6 isa cross-sectional view taken on line 6 3 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a fragmental perspective view of a reel or roller mountingmeans forming a detail -of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a detail view showing, in perspective, a resilient tape vorribbon support which may be employed in the combination.

Briefly stated, the device comprises a tape or ribbon I2 of paper orother suitable material, which is suitably lsupported for uniform slowmovement past a window I3 in the case I4. The tape or ribbon has printedor otherwise represented thereon a series of divisions or equal sectionsS, each of which sections lis of a proper length so that a section willpass an indicator or stationary hand I5 every quarter hour. Each sectionhas printed or Written, within its confines, the names or letters of aseries oi' radio broadcasting stations all of which are scheduled tobroadcast during a given quarter hour; for example, Fig. l Indicatesthat during the time period between 7 oclock-and 7:15 oclock, broadcastswill be receivable from any one of the stations WHAS, WFBE, WSAI, WCKY,WKRC, and WLW, and the name of the program from each station isindicated opposite the station name or call letters. During the periodof time from '1:15

to 7:30 oclock, these same stations, or perhaps others, are indicated asoffering other programs' or continuations of the preceding programs..Any reasonable number of selected stations and their anticipatedprograms may be indicated within the sections S. It is intended thatpurchasers vof the devices will procure the tapes or ribbons daily, lweekly, or at other intervals, from a person who will select the bestprograms and have them printed upon the tapes or ribbons. As the tape orribbon moves at a uniform rate of speed past the indicator I5, asdetermined by a clock motor 15 M, the device performs the function of atimepiece, and to enhance this function the tape preferably is graduatedas indicated at I 6 to indicate minutes adjacent to the series ofsections S.

` To use the device of this invention, it is nec- 20 essary only tointerpose the device in the electrical current supply ,line which feedsthe radio, and this is most conveniently accomplished by inserting theplug I1 ofthe radio receiver electrical supply line into the socket I8of the present 25 device, after which the plug I9 of the said device lis connected with the electricity supply or household current. Theoperator may then tune his radio receiver to the station he desires tohear from, and places the intermittently operative 30 electrical switch20 in the operative position by means of the knob or handle 2I whichextends from the front of the casing I4. The shunt switch 22 would bepermitted to remain in open contact condition. Thereafter, as the ribbonor tape 3.5 moves downwardly past the indicator i5 under the'motivepower of the clock motor, one of the perforations 23 of the tape willeventually move linto registration with the switch element 20 whereby toclose the electricity supply circuit to the radio receiver. During theinterval that the switch member 20 remains in registry with theperforation of the tape for closing said electrical circuit, the radioreceiver will be energized a sufhcient length of time to inform thelistener that the station selected by him previously is beginning tobroadcast the program. If the program thus announced bythe selectedstation is not the one which the listener desires to hear, he simplyignores the program announced, and said program would'shortly thereafterbe terminated by reason of movement of the perforation 23 fromregistration with the switch element 20.' The switch element 2G,therefore,'may be said to close the radio circuit through a metallicband 24 on the tape vsupporting drum 25 whenever a perforation such as23 moves into yregistration'with the switch element 20. As soon as suchperforation leaves the switch element,` due to the advancing movement ofthe tape, the circuit to the radio re- A ceiver -is broken or-openeduntil a succeeding perall the functions of the switch with which allradios are equipped. The general brief description of the device havingbeen given, vI shall now proceed to describe the device'in detail.

lA base for the mechanism is-indicated by the character 21,- and saidbase is adapted to be slid into the casing from the rear upon removal of`a suitable rear cover plate 28. -The base carries the clock motor M,which may be either an electrical or a-spring motor, the latter -type ofmotor being 'illustrated inthe present instance. Thel motor has awinding arbor 29 extending from the face' thereof, and also a minutehand arbor 3D in substantial parallelism with arbor 29. The minute handarbor is extended lengthwise of the ibase and has fixedly mountedthereon the roller or drivingdrum 25 which preferably is Voi!electricity insulating material.' At the free end of the arbor ynr shaft30 is fixed van adjusting knob or handle 3| whereby the drum 25 may berotated manually when' the mechanism is removed from the casing forapplication or removal of the tape or ribbon l2. The usual clutch lmeansfound in association with the minute hand of a'clock motor, which wouldpermit relative rotation of the shaft 30 and the clock gearing, isconventionally indicated by the character 32.

As is most clearly shown in Fig. 4, the tape or ribbon extends about thedrum, and' a more or less positive driving' means is effected byequipping the drum with a series of pin points 32 which may enter thematerial of the tape. A resilient guide or support 33 having abifurcated end 34 may be provided for maintaining the tape always inengagement with the sharpened pins. During' operation of the device, thetape unwinds from an upper reel or spool 35, passes under the drum 25,and is wound onto a second 'wheel or spool 3B. The tape may be guidedpast the window of the casing by the use of laterally extending supportsor rods 31 and 38 near the top and bottom ofthe mechanism, respectively.The support al may be the winding key for the clock motor, and as suchwouldl preferably be provided with a handle means 39.

. Each ofthe reels or spools 35 and 3B is adapted to' be easily removedfrom their respective shafts 40 and 4 I. Accordingly, each of saidshafts may carry afixed collar or ange 42 from which extends a pluralityof pins or lclutch elements 48 which are receivable ina slotted vend `44oi.' the spool or reel. Fig. l 'clearly indicates the manner ofassociating the spool with its supporting 'shaft so as to provide forunitary rotational movement From the Fig. 4 disclosure, it is at onceevident that the driving drum, rotating in clockthereof.

wise direction, progressively pulls the tape or ribbon'from the spool 35so as to rotate said spool and its supporting shaft 40. The shaft 40carries a suitable power transmission element, which may be .a sprocket45, andover this sprocket a chain 46 may pass for driving a secondsprocket 41 which has driving relationship with the shaft 4I of spool36. Thus, the rotational movement imparted'to the spool 35 and itsshaft, by reason of the moving tape i2, eie'cts rotation of spool 36 andits supporting shaft 4|. As is clearly indicated in Fig. 4, the sprocket41 is made smaller than sprocket 45, so thatspool 3S will be driven at aspeed slightly in excess of the speed of spool 35.A In order to maintainthe tape or ribbon in a taut or tightened condition without breaking it,

a friction clutch 48 is associatedV with the means` for driving the takeup spool 36. The clutch may be of any desired construction, there beingshown a simple form of clutch comprising one or more resilient arms 49which yieldingly bear upon a face of'a disc 50 which is xed relativeto-the shaft 4|. The arm or arms 49 are supported upon a sleeve 5lwhichloosely encircles the shaft 4l,

said sleeve providing a mounting means for'thesprocket 41. 'I'hesprocket 41 may be fixed tothe sleeve by the use of any known means.

Attached to the upper frame. structure 52j or to any other stationarypart, is a socket 53 for an electrical bulb or lamp 54 that may projectits rays through the tape and toward the wndow I3,

whereby to illuminate the tape for distinctly dis- @D playing theprinted or written matter carried thereby; The manner of connecting thislamp in the electrical circuit will beset forth hereinafter.

The intermittently operative .switch which is controlled by the knob orhandle 2l may be of any practical construction, there being shown,however, a simple form of switch which will function in accordance withthe requirements of the device of the invention. The said switch isshownl in detail in Fig. 5, and it may comprise an operating rod orshaft 55 which is slidably and rotatably mounted relative to asupporting block 56. The shaft may carry a transverse pin or extensionv51 which is adapted to enter a slot or recess 58`in the block when theknob 2l is actuated to place the pin in registration with said recess.'When the.

before 'referred to. The shaft. may be provided with suitable shouldersor flanges 5I at each end of .block 60, so as to insure movement of theblock with the shaft. The block may be supported upon a suitable guide62 which is fixed tothe base plate. From the foregoing -it will readilybe understood 'that manipulation of the knob or handle 2l may.

dispose the resilient contact member 20 either refmote from or inintimate contact with the tape'or ribbon, and that registration of oneof the perforations 23 of the tape with said contact mein'- ber willafford an .electrical connection of member 20 with the metallic contactring 2,4 on drum 25; The bracket 'B3 -which supports the drum -preffera'bly is of metal and is electrically connected with the band 24 inany suitable manner, such as by providing a metallic plate 64 on the endof the drum and securing the plate and its hub to the shaft by means ofa set screw or the like 65. Electrical connection .between the plateandthe band may be enected by means of'a conductor 8B which is imbeddedin the non-conductive drum 2E.

Switch 22, which is controlled by the knob or handle 28, may be any wellknown typ'e of switch, preferably one having a snap action.

' Means are provided for conveniently adjusting the glraduationsA of thetape to the pointer or indicator I in theevent that the clock motorfails to keep accurate time. VSaid means may comprise a small gear61which is normally out of engagement with a cooperative ring gear 68carried by the driving drum. It is immaterial whether the elements 61and 68 be bevel gears or any other type of gears orpower transmissionelements, so long as they may be disengaged during normal operation ofthe device.v As is clearly indicated in Fig. 4, gear 61 is fixed upon ashaft 63 which is supported in bearing brackets 16, there being providedsuitable resilient means such as a spring 1I for yieldingly maintaininggear 61 disengaged relative to gear 68. By pressing inwardly upon androtating a knob or handle 12 on the free end of shaft 69, gear 61 may becaused to engage and transmit rotational movement to the ring gear 68and the drum 25 to which the Iring gear is secured. The knob or handle12 is adapted to extend exteriorily of the rear covermember of casingI4. While it is not absolutely necessary to provide for disengagementbetween the gears 81 and 68, such disengagement is considered preferableand helpful in preserving the accuracy of the time keeping mechanism. vy

The manner of electrically associating the various electrical parts ofthe device is illustratedin .a conductor 18 leaving the lamp may beconnected to the terminal 96 of' a terminal block 11. From said point86, a conductor 1B leads to the other terminal 18 of plug I6. A terminalBil, which is in electrical communication with the terminal 96, has aconductor 8l leading to the metallic bearing bracket 63 of the drivingdrum, and, as above stated, a conductor means 86 provides electricalconnection between the bracket and the metallic band 24 of said drum.The switch element 20 has a conductor 82 leading to a terminal 83 ofblock 11. The snap switch or shunt switch 22 is wired across theterminals 80 and 83 by means-of the conductors 84 and 85. Lead wire 14extends directly to a terminal 86 of the block, lwhich terminal is inelectrical communication with the terminal 83.v

From the foregoing it will be understood that, with the switch 29closed, as shown in Fig. 2, elec- -trical current may pass from thesource of supply 16 and through conductor 13 to one of the conductors 81which leads to the radio receiver, the current continuing through thereceiver and back through the conductor 88 Ato terminal 19, whence itcontinues through conductors 16, 96, 80, 8l, 88, 68, 24, 26, B2, 83,38,and 14 to the source 16. Electrical current will also'pass through theconductors 18 and 18 of the lamp 54. With the intermittent circuitclosed, as Just described, the radio receiver will be energized so longas contact 2B is permitted, by the apertured tape, tomaintain-electrical connection with the band 24. However, as soon as enunperforated part of the tape is interposed between the contacts 20 and24, the radio receiver will be de-energized. To render the intermittentcircuit closing function iny the radio receiver.

eiective, the operator may close the shunt switch 22 whereby to aiordcontinuous energization of Under such circumstances, the path ofelectricity is from source 15 through conductors 13, 34, 81, through theradio receiver,

, back through conductors 88, 19, 18, 96, 80, 85, 22,

, have provided an indicator and announcer for radio programs whereby aperson may have a predetermined program audibly brought to his attentionwhile he is occupied in other matters, the device serving also as aclock which may be set with the accurate time broadcast of the 'radiosystem, and the device serves, further, as an informative andprogressive record of radio broadcast programs. V vantage that it issimple and inexpensive, thereby enabling usage by a large majority ofradio owners. does not require a more or less permanent mechanicalconnection with the radio receiver, wherefore it may readily beassociated and disassocated relative to any radio receiver.

The device has the further ad- Installation or attachment of the devicevIt 1s to be ,understood that various modifications and changes in thestructural details of the de@ vice may be made, within the scope oftheappended claims, without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

What I claim is:

l. In a radio program indicator, the combination of a casehaving awindow therein, a longitudinal tape divided into successivefractionalhour time period sections, each section carrying the callletters oi aplurality of selected radio broadcasting stations and thenames of the programs to be broadcast by each of such stations duringsaid fractional-hour time period, means including a clock motor forprogressively advancing the tape past the window at clock speed, andmeans associating the radio program indicator witli a radio receivingset to energize said receiving set momentarily as the time periodsectionsV pass a predetermined portion of the window.

2. In a combination clock and radio program indicator, the combinationof a case having a window therein, a longitudinal tape divided intosuccessive fractional-hour time period sections each of which are inturn graduated in minute markings, said sections each carrying the callletters of a plurality of selected radio broadcasting stations and thenames of the programs to be broadcast 'by each of such stationsduringsaid fractional-hour time period, a time indicator normally fixedrelative to the case and pointing to the minute markings on the tape,means including a clock motor for progressively advancing the tape pastthe window and the time indicator at clockspeed, a radio receiving sethaving selector. means capable of tuning the set to one of the stationsindicated upon the tape, and means associating the receiving set withthe radio program indicator' to energize said receiving set momentarilyas the time period sections move successively into a predeterminedposition with to the stationary time indicator.

3. In a combination clock and radio program successive fractional-hourtime period sections each of which are in turn graduated in minutemarkings, said sections each carrying the call tarily as the time periodsections move successively into a predetermined position with respect tothe stationary time indicator, and manually operable-means formaintaining the radio receiver set lin. the energized condition. 4. In acombination clock and radio pnogram indicator, the combination of a,case having a window therein, a longitudinal tape divided into suc-.cessive fractional-hour time period sections each of which are' inAturn graduated in minute' markings, said sections each carrying thecall letters ist Aoi a plurality of selected radio broadcasting stationsand the names of the programs to be broadcast by each of such stationsduring said fractional-hour time period, a time indicator normally ilxedrelative to the case and pointingto the minute markings on the tape,means including a lclock motor for progressively advancing the tape,past the window and the time indicator-at clock speed, a radioreceiving set having selector means capable of tuning the set to one ofthe stations indicated upon the tape, and means associating 4thereceiving set with the radio program indicator V`to energize saidreceiving set momentarily as the time period sections move successivelyinto a predetermined position with respect to the stationa pay-out meanssupporting one end of theta'pe,

a take-up spool supporting Itheother endof. the

:ary timle indicator, and means for coordinating .the minute markings`of the tape with the fixed ;time indicator in accordance with timesignals broadcast by the broadcasting stations.

. 5.4 In a device of the vclass described, the combination lof a casehaving av window aperture therein, a visible indicator normally fixedrela.- tive to the case, a base removably received by the case, andmechanism supported upon the base including a clock motor having aminutehand arbor, a tape-driving drum rotated :on-

' tinuously at ,minute-hand speed by said arbor,

anapertured longitudinal. tape adapted to contact the drum and to beadvanced thereby past the' window and the indicator, a pay-out meanssupporting one end of the tape in spiral formation, a takef-up spoolsupporting the other end of the tape', ashaft for the spool and meansfor detachably ilxing the spool to said shaft, means .including afriction clutch for driving the takeup spool, electrical circuit meansincluding a source of electricity, a radio receiving set, and

electrical switch means interposed between said source and saidreceiving set, said last mentioned means comprising a contact band onthe tape-driving drum, a tape-controlled resilient contact memberseparated from the contact band by the tape except when the apertures ofthe `tape move. into registry with said contact member, a shunt switchfor manually connecting the receiving set directly with the source ofelectricity regardless of the open or closed circuit condition of thetape-controlled switch.

i 6. In a device of the class described, the combination of a casehaving a window aperture therein, a visible indicatornormally fixedrela.- tive to the case, a base`removably received by the case,and.mecha.nism supported upon' -th'e base including a clock motor havingajminute hand arbor, a tape-driving drum rotatedfc'ontinuously atminute-hand speed by said arbor,

an apertured longitudinal tape adapted to contact the drum and to beadvanced thereby past the window and the indicator, a'pay-out means`lsupporting one end of the tape in spiral forniaton, a take-up spool4supporting the other end for detachably .xing the spool t'osaid shaft,means including a friction clutch for driving the take-up spool,electrical circuitmeans including a source of electricity, a radioreceiving set, and

electrical switch meansinterposed between 'saidsource and said.receiving set, said lastl mentioned means comprising a contact band on'the tape-driving drum, a tape-controlled resilient contact memberseparated from the contactband by the tape except when the apertures loi.the

tape move into registry with said contact meni".

ber, a shunt switch for manually connectingthe of the tape, a shaft forthe spool and ymeans *ie receiving set directly with the'sou'rce'ofselectrlcity regardless of the open or closed circuit` condition ofthe tape-controlled switch, and means for manually displacing andmaintaining the 4relV tape, a shaft for the spool and means for .de-

, tachably xing the spool tosaid shaft, electrical -circuit meansincluding a source of electricity,

a radio receiving set, and electrical switch means interposed betweensaid source and 'saidj'receivf ing set, said last mentioned meanscomprising a contact band on the tape-driving drum, a tapecontrolledyielding contact member separated i from the contact band by the tapeexcept when the apertures of the tape move intov registry withsaidcontact membera shunt pswitch for -shunting out the contact band and theyielding member and `for connecting the receiving Set directly with thesource of electricity regardless .of

the open or closed circuit condition o! the'tapecontrolled switch means,and means for-selectively maintaining the entire electricaln circuit inopen circuit condition for de-energizing the radio receiver. y l

8. In combination, a radio receiver including an electricity supplycircuit, a source oi electricity, and a device interposed .between thesource of electicity and the supply circuit of the radio receiver forcontrolling said receiver, said device including a time-keepingmechanisnnan intermittently operating circuit closer under the controlof the time-keeping mechanism'ior momental-ily closing the electricitysupply, circuit of the radio receiver at predetermined intervals. oftime, and manually operative means for mainmittently operating circuitcloser.'

9. In combination, a radio receiver includin an electricity supplycircuit.' a sourceoffelccf tricity, and a device interposed in thecircuit between the source of electricity and the radio receiver, saiddevice including a motor, an intermittently operating circuit closerunder the 5 control of the motor for momentarily closing the electricitysupply circuit of the radio receiver at predetermined intervals of time,and manut ally operative means for maintaining the closedcircuitcondition of the supply circuit regardless of the intermittent action ofthe motor con trolled circuit closer. Y

WILBUR W. BAIRD.

